Description

The ABEX Community Involvement Award recognizes a business that demonstrates meaningful and sustained commitment to supporting its community beyond its core business activities. This may include engagement in arts and culture, amateur sport, education, healthcare, or volunteer organizations. Judging considers the relative size of the business and emphasizes intentional, impactful contributions that strengthen Saskatchewan communities through leadership, employee engagement, and measurable outcomes.

Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this award, the organization must:

• Be a for-profit business.
• Demonstrate financial viability by submitting financial statements.
• Have been operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years as of April 1, 2026.
• Not have been the recipient of this award in the previous year.
• Not have won Business of the Year the previous year.
• Not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

Evaluation Criteria

To be successful in this category, organizations should ideally:

• Demonstrate active contributions to community betterment through investment, time-commitment of staff, and/or leading key initiatives.

Description

The ABEX Growth & Expansion Award (Small Business) recognizes a business with fewer than 50 employees that has achieved significant growth or expansion through strategic initiatives. Growth may include increased revenue, market share, customer base, or accelerated scaling in its early years, while expansion may involve new locations, expanded product or service offerings, or entry into new markets. Businesses that have successfully expanded their reach through export—whether within Canada or internationally—will also be recognized for their role in strengthening Saskatchewan's presence beyond provincial borders.

Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this award, the organization must:

• Be a for-profit business.
• Demonstrate financial viability by submitting financial statements.
• Have been operating in Saskatchewan for at least one year as of April 1, 2026.
• Not have been the recipient of this award in the previous year.
• Not have won Business of the Year the previous year.
• Not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
• Have less than 50 employees.

Evaluation Criteria

To be successful in this category, organizations should ideally:

• Display evidence of financial growth, as well as growth or expansion in other areas (market share, customer base, geographical reach, business locations, product lines, service offerings).
• Showcase the development of strategies and projections for future growth.

Description

The ABEX Growth & Expansion Award (Medium & Large Business) recognizes the business with 50 or more employees that has successfully executed growth or expansion strategies, leading to measurable business success. Growth may include revenue increases, workforce expansion, or market share gains, while expansion may encompass new geographic markets, product diversification, or investment in innovation. Businesses that have grown Saskatchewan's economy through export—whether by bringing local goods and services to national or global markets—will be recognized for their contributions to expanding the province's economic footprint.

Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this award, the organization must:

• Be a for-profit business.
• Demonstrate financial viability by submitting financial statements.
• Have been operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years as of April 1, 2026.
• Not have been the recipient of this award in the previous year.
• Not have won Business of the Year the previous year.
• Not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
• Have more than 50 employees.

Evaluation Criteria

To be successful in this category, organizations should ideally:

• Display evidence of financial growth, as well as growth or expansion in other areas (market share, customer base, geographical reach, business locations, product lines, service offerings).
• Showcase the development of strategies and projections for future growth.

Description

The ABEX Indigenous Business Leadership Award recognizes an Indigenous-owned business that demonstrates exceptional leadership, measurable growth, and meaningful economic impact in Saskatchewan. Judging criteria consider the size and stage of the business, recognizing that growth trajectories vary across sectors. The successful business shows strong financial performance, strategic vision, market competitiveness, and leadership that contributes to long-term economic advancement.

Note: This award focuses on business ownership, leadership, and performance. Internal workplace or DE&I initiatives are assessed in other ABEX categories.

Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this award, the organization must:

• Be a for-profit business.
• Be at least 51% Indigenous-owned (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit ownership).
• Demonstrate financial viability by submitting financial statements.
• Have been operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years as of April 1, 2026.
• Demonstrate active business operations and measurable performance over the past two years.
• Not have been the recipient of this award in previous years.
• Not have won Business of the Year the previous year.
• Not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

Evaluation Criteria

To be successful in this category, organizations should ideally:

• Demonstrate strong business performance and sustainable growth.
• Show measurable economic and community impact.
• Demonstrate leadership that advances Indigenous entrepreneurship and economic reconciliation.
• Provide evidence of long-term vision, resilience, and sector or community influence.

Description

The ABEX Innovation Award recognizes a business that has demonstrated exceptional innovation in products, services, processes, or business models, resulting in measurable impact and competitive advantage. Innovation may include the development or adoption of new technologies, operational improvements, market disruption, or creative approaches that redefine how value is delivered to customers. The successful business demonstrates bold thinking, effective execution, and measurable results that strengthen its performance and influence within its industry.

Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this award, the organization must:

• Be a for-profit business.
• Demonstrate financial viability by submitting financial statements.
• Have been operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years as of April 1, 2026.
• Not have been the recipient of this award in the previous year.
• Not have won Business of the Year the previous year.
• Not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

Evaluation Criteria

To be successful in this category, organizations should ideally:

• Demonstrate successful ideation and implementation of an innovation.

Description

The ABEX Marketing Award recognizes businesses that have achieved exceptional results through innovative and impactful marketing strategies. Businesses may acknowledge the contributions of their marketing partners or agencies in their submission. This award recognizes innovators who have not only embraced creativity in their marketing endeavors but have also achieved measurable success in enhancing brand visibility, engagement, and overall market impact. The award highlights businesses that go beyond conventional approaches, exhibiting a deep understanding of their target audience, industry trends, and a commitment to achieving excellence in the competitive landscape.

Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this award, the organization must:

• Be a for-profit business.
• Demonstrate financial viability by submitting financial statements.
• Have been operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years as of April 1, 2026.
• Not have been the recipient of this award in the previous year.
• Not have won Business of the Year the previous year.
• Not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

Evaluation Criteria

To be successful in this category, organizations should ideally:

• Demonstrate innovative and effective marketing strategies.
• Show measurable success in brand visibility, engagement, or market impact.

Description

The ABEX Workplace Excellence Award is presented to the organization that demonstrates exceptional commitment to creating a strong, healthy, and engaging workplace. Judging criteria consider the size and stage of the organization, recognizing that high-performing workplaces take different forms across sectors. The successful organization fosters a positive employee experience through intentional culture, leadership practices, employee engagement, wellbeing initiatives, and meaningful feedback systems. This award recognizes organizations that consistently invest in their people and create environments where employees can thrive and contribute at their highest potential.

Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this award, the organization must:

• Be a for-profit business.
• Demonstrate financial viability by submitting financial statements.
• Have been operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years as of April 1, 2026.
• Not have been the recipient of this award in the previous year.
• Not have won Business of the Year the previous year.
• Not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

Evaluation Criteria

To be successful in this category, organizations should ideally:

• Demonstrate a strong, intentional workplace culture that supports a positive employee experience.
• Provide measurable outcomes from the past two years, such as engagement, retention, turnover, promotions, or employee satisfaction results.
• Show clear programs and practices that promote employee wellbeing, psychological safety, recognition, and development.
• Demonstrate leadership commitment and accountability in fostering workplace excellence.
• Provide evidence that workplace initiatives positively impact both employees and overall business performance.

Description

The ABEX Business of the Year Award is presented to the business that has exhibited exceptional performance in resilience, growth, stability, and overall business excellence. The recipient of this award is selected from all 2026 ABEX finalists, spanning across all application-based categories.

Requirements

• Be a for-profit business.
• Demonstrate financial viability by submitting financial statements.
• Have been operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years as of April 1, 2026.
• Not have been the recipient of this award in the previous year.
• Not have won this category within the past five (5) years.
• Not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
• Show evidence of business excellence across multiple areas of business.
• Show evidence of economic impact on the province.

Description

This award is presented to an individual who exemplifies the qualities of a business visionary and has contributed meaningfully to the local business community.

Description

This award is presented to an individual who has made a positive impact in Saskatchewan through volunteerism and philanthropy.